Karel Brandenbarg

Conducted insightful policy research for the creation of documents and issue briefs on trade and diplomacy topics at Canada's leading think tank dedicated to Canada-China relations Published six quarterly Canada-China trade reports analyzing and visualizing data, and examined Chinese public opinion survey data in the annual How China Sees the World report Organized three public events with foreign dignitaries, keynotes, and 100+ public guests

Policy Research Analyst - The China Institute at the University of Alberta - Edmonton, AB

(2022-08 - 2024-07)

• Conducted insightful policy research for the creation of documents and issue briefs on trade and diplomacy topics at Canada's leading think tank dedicated to Canada-China relations
• Published six quarterly Canada-China trade reports analyzing and visualizing data, and examined Chinese public opinion survey data in the annual How China Sees the World report
• Organized three public events with foreign dignitaries, keynotes, and 100+ public guests
• Supported the construction and online delivery of courses on China for new diplomats with Global Affairs Canada, demonstrating strong pedagogical and professional communication
• Collaborated effectively in a diverse team of administrators, public relations specialists, and external partners under tight deadlines to disseminate informative policy recommendations

Researcher with McGill Refugee Research Group - McGill University - Montreal, QC

(2024-09)

• Supporting the submission of a $1.6 million CAD grant application requiring meticulous management of sensitive documents, intensive copy editing, and creative graphic generation
• Ongoing communication with diverse external grant partners, including tech support
• Conducting desk research on the Responsibility to Protect and the internal displacement

Research Assistant - Taiwan Studies at the University of Alberta - Edmonton, AB

(2021-06 - 2022-07)

• Managed website and external digital communication, such as newsletters and social media
• Developed and delivered two workshops on Taiwan and led the organization and facilitation of the international conference Powering East Asia, attended by dozens of global scholars
• Presented our A Will to Win article at the prestigious NATSA conference in Washington, D.C.

Event Organizer - International Refugee Health Conference

(2024-06)

• Event organizer at the world's largest refugee health conference with 1000+ participants
• Assisted in event setup and take-down, along with timely on-the-spot event troubleshooting

Intercollegiate Debater, Judge, and Coach - McGill Debate Union

(2024-09)

• Decorated intercollegiate competitive debater, judge, and coach at an international level
• Proven use of critical thinking under pressure, public speaking, and communication skills

Core Member - Saaba Widows Business Association (SWBA) - Burkina Faso

(2016-01)

• Core member of a non-profit organization operating in Burkina Faso, seeking to empower widows towards self-reliance and raise awareness about the practice of widow pillaging
• Responsibilities include fundraising, budgeting, and international group travel logistics

Master of Arts - Political Science: Development Studies Option - McGill University (2024-09)

Bachelor of Arts (Honors) - Political Science - University of Alberta (2016-09 - 2021-12)